Hi Folks,
Hope you're having a great week. There are still tons of things
shaking out from the Draft this past weekend. Not to mention Ahman
Green getting himself arrested. I'd hoped to make it at least through
Tuesday of this week without a police blotter report but so much for
that. Have a great day and knock yourself out on the news. Thanks to
our Mark Wimer for rounding up these stories.
Joe
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. RB Green (GB) Arrested for Domestic Violence
2. WR Boldin (Ari): Holdout on the Horizon?
3. WR Hakim, S Marion: Let Go from Lions
4. Dolphins Ink Skill-Position Free Agents
5. TE Shockey: I'm Doing the Right Thing Skipping the Giants' OTAs
6. Eagles Ink Undrafted TEs and WRs
7. Long-Shot RB Kuhn Signed by Steelers
8. Colts Add Skill Position Free Agents Among 16 Signings
9. Panthers: Looking for FA WRs After the Draft
10. Tennessee: 36 Undrafted Free Agents Signed
11. Broncos: Backup Battles Brewing Across Roster
12. Chargers Add Skill Position Free Agents
13. Rams Sign 2 More WRs After Draft
14. WR Gibson: A Steal for the Steelers?
15. RB Haynes Resigned by Steelers
16. No Surprise: Jets Dump K Brien
17. IDP: CB Aaron Glenn: To Dallas?
18. IDP: CB Aaron Glenn, LB Chad Brown – To New England?
19. IDP: CB Chad Scott (Ex-Pittsburgh) to New England.
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1. RB Green (GB) Arrested for Domestic Violence
Clipped from the Channel 5 WFRV website:
Packers Star Running back Ahman Green Was Arrested In His Home Monday
Night Just After 10 O'clock, According To The Brown County Sheriff's
Office.
A Lieutenant Confirms That The Sheriff's Office Received A 9-1-1
Hangup From A Residence In Ledgeview.
After Their Investigation, Green Was Arrested On Suspicion Of Domestic
Violence.
The Brown County Jail Confirms That Green Was Booked At 11:30 Monday
Night On Disorderly Conduct Relating To Domestic Violence.
Sheriff's Personnel Say Green Was Released At 11:50 Monday Night.
A Court Date For May 11th Has Been Scheduled.
Packers General Manager Ted Thompson Released This Statement To C-B-S Five.
"We are aware of the situation with Ahman Green and his family, and
are in the process of gathering additional information. We obviously
care about Ahman and the entire Green Family, and we will continue to
support them through this time. Because this is a legal matter, the
Green Bay Packers organization will not be making any further
comments."
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
Yikes. Not what you want to see from your star RB. It's way too early
to be making many predictions here so let's see how it shakes out once
we have more facts.
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2. WR Boldin (Ari): Holdout on the Horizon?
Clipped from: Arizona Republic article by Kent Somers, 4/26/05
Receiver Anquan Boldin's absence Monday could foreshadow a summer of
discontent between the Cardinals and their star receiver.
The Cardinals opened three days of voluntary workouts Monday and will
hold their only mandatory minicamp Friday through Sunday. It's unknown
whether Boldin plans to attend.
Boldin and his agent are seeking a new contract, something team
officials have talked about since 2003, when Boldin made the Pro Bowl
as a rookie. It is believed little, if any, progress has been made.
Boldin didn't return calls Monday, and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus,
declined comment.
Coach Dennis Green did not make an issue of Boldin's absence.
"I'm always just happy. I deal in the positive," Green said. "The
significance is that he feels he should have a new contract, and we
feel he should have a contract extension, too. We said that a long
time ago."
According to the collective bargaining agreement, coaches are not
allowed to portray these "organized team activities" as anything but
voluntary.
Boldin has two years left on a four-year contract he signed after
being drafted out of Florida State in the second round in 2003. He
received a $1.2 million signing bonus and is scheduled to make
salaries of $380,000 this year and $460,000 next year.
A new contract could pay him guaranteed bonuses of more than $10 million.
Boldin caught 101 passes in 2003 and was the NFL's Offensive Rookie of
the Year. He missed the first six games of last season with a knee
injury and had 56 receptions, two short of Larry Fitzgerald's total,
which led the team.
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
Boldin has outperformed his contract, without question. Hopefully, he
and the Cardinals will be able to come to an agreement quickly, so
that Boldin can get into rhythm with new starting QB Kurt Warner.
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3. WR Hakim, S Marion: Let Go from Lions
Clipped from: Detroit News article by Mike O'Hara, 4/26/05
Wide receiver Az-Zahir Hakim and free safety Brock Marion were
released Monday as the impact of the Lions' draft and free-agent
signings was felt by the two veterans.
The Lions drafted wide receiver Mike Williams of Southern California
in the first round Saturday and signed free-agent receiver Kevin
Johnson last week.
Marion's job was in jeopardy when the Lions signed free-agent strong
safety Kenoy Kennedy of Denver. That allowed Terrence Holt to
concentrate on free safety. He was a reserve most of his first two
seasons.
Injuries prevented Hakim, 27, from playing to the level the Lions
expected when they signed him as a free agent in 2002. Hakim got a
five-year, $16 million contract that included a signing bonus of $5.25
million. Hakim missed six games in 2002 because of a dislocated hip.
He missed two in '03 and four in '04 because of assorted injuries.
Hakim's best season as a Lion was 2003, when he caught 49 passes. He
averaged 17.2 yards per catch -- also his high as a Lion -- on 31
receptions in 2004.
Marion, 34, played his 12th pro season with the Lions in 2004. He
signed as a free agent after six seasons in Miami and five in Dallas.
Marion started all 16 games. He intercepted two passes and had seven
pass breakups. However, he did not show the range the Lions had hoped
for, and missed tackles in the secondary were a problem most of the
season.
Neither player had a guaranteed contract for 2005.
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
Hakim didn't live up to expectations in Detroit, and now he's on the
open market. He's still young – it's possible he might re-ignite his
career if he lands on a team with an opening at WR. We'll keep an eye
on his status for you.
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4. Dolphins Ink Skill-Position Free Agents
Clipped from: Palm Beach Post article by Joe Schad, 4/26/05
As confident as West Virginia running back Kay-Jay Harris sounded
Monday, it was no wonder he was stunned to go undrafted.
"They took 25 running backs ahead of me," said Harris, one of at least
12 undrafted free agents to agree to a contract with the Dolphins. "I
was top 10 the whole time. Not hearing my name called has made me
bitter."
Harris, a Tampa native who once committed to the University of Miami
before playing four years of minor-league baseball, averaged 6.7 yards
on 508 college carries.
"To me, the Dolphins got a steal," said Harris, who slipped because
he's 26 years old and has durability concerns. "I just feel for the 16
teams that are on that schedule. I have so much to unleash and I'll do
it between the white lines."
Aside from UM quarterback Brock Berlin, the highest-rated players to
sign with Miami likely were Harris, Oregon State safety Mitch Meeuwsen
and Marshall wide receiver Josh Davis.
Davis had 306 career catches, second only to NCAA all-time leader
Taylor Stubblefield of Purdue, but was not one of the 31 receivers
taken.
"I really don't think I have a weakness, but I guess I do since I
didn't get drafted," Davis said. "I know what kind of person I am. I'm
a hard worker so I think I'm going to make the Dolphins."
Harris and Davis were rated by many as fourth-rounders. Davis is
quick, smooth and blocks well but lacks blazing speed.
"It's a good fit at Miami because they needed a receiver who can do it
all, including playing the slot, like I did in high school," said
Davis, who chose Miami over Green Bay, Minnesota, Houston, Washington
and Philadelphia.
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
Every year, a few of the "street" free agents pan out into valuable
contributors for NFL teams. Kay-Jay Harris and Josh Davis are 2 guys
to put on your "deep sleeper" list during the 2005 training camps.
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5. TE Shockey: I'm Doing the Right Thing Skipping the Giants' OTAs
Clipped from: New York Post article by Steve Serby, 4/26/05
For Jeremy Shockey, skipping the Giants' offseason workout to do his
training here is not about bucking the authority of Tom Coughlin or
the team. It is about drinking from the Fountain of Youth, and
chugging the potion that helped turn him into the rampaging Big Blue
Blond Bad Boy who electrocuted defenders in his path and electrified
Giants Stadium as the most hyped Oklahoma rookie since Mickey Mantle.
Somewhere along the way, Shockey lost his swagger, and here, in the 90
degree heat, with fellow pros and hungry collegiate players from his
University of Miami alma mater, he ignores pleas from Coughlin and Eli
Manning to come north for the sake of team unity and join his
teammates in the voluntary offseason program and tortures his aching
body in a maniacal obsession to be The Best Damn Sports Show period.
"It's not about me causing controversy," Shockey says. "I love the
organization; I want to retire a Giant. I have a lot to prove to
myself. I want to be the player I was my first year, not just
physically, but mentally as well.
"I'm not trying to separate myself from the players. What people don't
understand is I'm going the extra mile. You show me another player
that runs as much and lifts as much as I do in the NFL.
"I know in my heart I'm doing the right thing. I'm preparing myself
like I did my first year. For me to get the swagger back, I had to at
least try it."
Coughlin has reached out several times to Shockey.
"Obviously he wanted me to come up there to build team unity," Shockey
said. "I understand his point ... But it's voluntary. I can't just do
what I've been doing for the past two years. It wasn't working.
"I'm trying to help myself; in the overall picture, it's going to help
the team. I think he knows in his heart I'm doing the right thing to
help the team."
Except Coughlin wants everyone marching to the same Big Blue drum.
"Some people beat to a different drum and want to get pushed as hard
as possible," Shockey says. "I'm that kind of person. I'm not the kind
of person they need to keep a finger on and kinda watch and make sure
they work out 80 or 90 percent of the time. I work out 100 percent of the time."
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
Working out is a fine thing for a pro-athlete to engage in during the
off-season. But working out won't help build rapport and timing with
Eli Manning. Detractors will make the cast that Shockey is placing
himself above the needs of the team, and that's a situation that
probably won't sit well with coach Coughlin. If he shows up in
fantastic shape ready to roll, this will be quickly forgotten.
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6. Eagles Ink Undrafted TEs and WRs
Clipped from: Philadelphia Daily News article by Les Bowen, 4/26/05
The Eagles drafted no tight ends over the weekend, despite uncertainty
over unsigned and injured Chad Lewis, so you knew that when the list
of undrafted free agents came out, that position would be addressed.
Sure enough, the Birds added a couple yesterday: 6-3 ½, 249-pound Andy
Thorn, from Northern Iowa, and 6-4, 244-pound Steven Spach, from
Fresno State.
They are among 10 undrafted free agents signed by the Eagles, a group
that faces daunting odds, despite the team's history of finding
undrafted gems. The Birds drafted 11 players Saturday and Sunday, more
than enough to fill any roster holes, with at least a few draftees
probably headed for the practice squad. So this year, an undrafted
rookie will have to be really special to aspire to anything more than
the practice squad.
The Eagles drafted only one wideout - Georgia's Reggie Brown, in the
second round - and you need a bunch of those to run training-camp pass
patterns, so it wasn't a surprise that they signed five more: Boston
College's Grant Adams (6-foot, 205), Syracuse's Jared Jones (5-11,
205), Amherst's Jason Peebler (6-foot, 214), Florida State's Chauncey
Stovall (6-1, 221), and Furman's Isaac West (6-foot, 187).
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
As Bowen points out, the odds are long that the street free agents
will do more than play during training camp – but they do have an
opportunity to make an impression, at least. The TEs probably have the
best shot to make the team, especially if Chad Lewis doesn't make it
back to the lineup.
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7. Long-Shot RB Kuhn Signed by Steelers
Clipped from: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review article by Dave Mackall, 4/26/05
Like just about every other NFL free agent, John Kuhn imagines a rocky
road he'll encounter as he attempts to latch on with the Steelers next
season.
Kuhn, who holds 27 school records at NCAA Division II Shippensburg as
well as six Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference marks, was one of
12 players the Steelers signed to free-agent contracts on Monday -- a
day after the conclusion of the NFL Draft -- and was among 13 with
district ties known to have signed with NFL teams...
...Kuhn, a regional finalist last season for the Harlon Hill Trophy,
given to the top player in Division II, amassed 5,300 all-purpose
yards, including 4,685 rushing yards, and scored 53 touchdowns during
his college career.
In 2004, Shippensburg won its first PSAC Western Division championship
since 1988 and posted a 10-2 record after advancing to the second
round of the Division II playoffs.
"It's going to be an uphill battle, but it's certainly to my advantage
to be able to recognize that right now," said Kuhn, a native of York
who also was attracting interest from the Baltimore Ravens, Tampa Bay
Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers.
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
Yet another RB to add to your list of "deep sleepers" as we head into
the NFL training camps. Can Kuhn can translate his small-school
success into NFL competence? Time will tell...
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8. Colts Add Skill Position Free Agents Among 16 Signings
Clipped from: Indy Star article by Mike Chappell, 4/26/05
Also added to the roster were wide receivers Davon Fowlkes of
Appalachian State, Levon Thomas of Georgia Tech and Kerry Wright of
Middle Tennessee State; running back Marcus Williams of Maine; guards
Matt Ulrich of Northwestern, Jason Russell of Central Arkansas and
Cody Campbell of Texas Tech; offensive tackle Lou Lombardo of
Maryland; and tight ends Joey Hawkins of Texas Tech and Tory Humphrey
of Central Michigan.
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
The Colts are loaded with talent at WR and TE already, but one of
these guys might catch on with the practice squad. The stars of
tomorrow sometimes begin as humble, undrafted free agents...
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9. Panthers: Looking for FA WRs After the Draft
Clipped from: Gaston Gazette article by Steve Reed, 4/26/05
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the Carolina Panthers' 2005 NFL
draft this past weekend was not whom the team drafted, but whom it did
not.
The Panthers added 10 players via the draft, but interestingly enough
none of them were receivers. Instead, they spent three picks on
offensive linemen, two on defensive linemen, two on linebackers, and a
running back, quarterback and safety.
Wide receiver was considered a major position of need by most
observers going into the draft after Muhsin Muhammad, the NFL's leader
in receiving yards and touchdown catches in 2004, bolted to the
Chicago Bears in the off-season for more money.
The Panthers are expected to sign at least three undrafted free agent
receivers today and could make a push to add some veteran help this
week.
Immediately after the draft, Carolina general manager Marty Hurney
downplayed the fact the team didn't select a wide receiver.
"We would have liked to have gotten a receiver at some point in the
draft but we didn't," Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said. "But
we also didn't feel like it was a critical need. We have Steve Smith
and Keary Colbert and Ricky Proehl and Drew Carter, who has got a year
in the system."
Huh?
But Proehl is 37 and Carter has never played a down in the NFL and has
suffered three torn ACL injuries during his career, including one last
year on the very first day of minicamp. It's hard to imagine head
coach John Fox being real comfortable entering the season with the
prospect of Proehl being a starter should Smith re-injure his broken
leg.
So expect the Panthers to add at least one, possibly two receivers
this week with at least some NFL experience.
"That is a decision we will make in the next couple of days going into
minicamp, but first we'll see what happens after the draft," Hurney
said.
One possibility is Az-Zahir Hakim, who was released by the Detroit
Lions on Monday.
A less pricey option might be unrestricted free agent Charles Lee, who
spent last season with Tampa Bay. The Panthers spoke with Lee's agent,
Richard DeLuca, before the draft and indicated they might have
interest in signing Lee if they didn't upgrade at receiver in the
draft.
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
As teams release veterans in the aftermath of the NFL draft, other
teams can glean useful additions to their roster. The Panthers will
probably add at least one receiver with NFL experience, and they will
be adding several undrafted rookie free agents at WR in the near
future. Keep an eye on which veteran lands with the Panthers, as they
are thin at the position right now and, given the frequency of
injuries in the league, today's backup may well be tomorrow's starter.
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10. Tennessee: 36 Undrafted Free Agents Signed
Clipped from: Nashville City Paper article by Terry McCormick, 4/26/05
When Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher was discussing the perceived
pecking order of his three new rookie receiver draft picks, he was
quick to say that draft status no longer mattered for Courtney Roby,
Brandon Jones and Roydell Williams.
"It no longer matters where they were drafted," Fisher said. "We'll
play the guys that can play and that are productive, that can learn
and go out there and be productive."
For the 36 undrafted free agents (UFAs) that latched on with the
Titans Monday, the quote from Fisher should read, "It no longer
matters if they were drafted ..."
That's the hope that those three dozen players just looking for a
shot, no matter how long it is, are hanging on as they join
Tennessee's 11 draft picks in arriving later this week for orientation
at Baptist Sports Park.
Among that group (see accompanying list) are some area players of
interest that include Tennessee State running back Charles Anthony,
Tennessee defensive end Karlton Neal and running back Corey Larkins,
Kentucky quarterback Shane Boyd, Memphis fullback Robert Douglas and
Lambuth offensive tackle Stefan Rodgers.
Barring forays into free agency or waiver wire pickups, some UFAs
could have solid opportunities to land on the 53-man roster.
Even after the draft, the Titans had just three running backs and two
quarterbacks on the roster. With only five wideouts, there could be
room for another addition there, and another defensive lineman making
the team is not out of the question.
One of the more interesting players among the undrafted group is
Syracuse running back Walter Reyes, who fell all the way to undrafted
status after a poor senior season in part because of a shoulder
injury. That came on the heels of 1,347 yards and 20 touchdowns as a
junior.
"We had a draftable grade on him and thought about taking him at one
point," Titans general manager Floyd Reese said. "... If he can get back
to playing the way he did as a junior, we might have something."
Quarterback Gino Guidugli of Cincinnati is another player the Titans
had a draftable grade on who was considered with a pick Sunday.
The Titans also signed former LSU quarterback Marcus Randall.
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
Normally, undrafted free agents face really long odds to actually see
playing time with a NFL franchise. However, the cap-strapped Titans
are not in a normal situation, and they need to plug a lot of holes
with low-priced talent in order to field a team during 2005. Some of
the skill position guys listed above may end up being backups on the
Titans 53 man roster after training camp. If Tyrone Calico isn't all
the way back from his knee injury, one of the rookies will probably be
starting.
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11. Broncos: Backup Battles Brewing Across Roster
Clipped from: Denver Post article by Bill Williamson, 4/26/05
Unlike some recent Broncos seasons, there may be several veteran
surprises come cut day in September as a result of the depth at some
positions.
With the team's starting 22 all but locked in, the major intrigue
during training camp, which begins July 28, will be competition for
roster spots.
The Broncos will look at some veterans at positions that may include
receiver, quarterback, offensive line and linebacker. They also are
open to signing a veteran after June 1.
The following is a look at the Broncos' areas where there will be the
most competition for backup roles.
Running back
This will be the most watched position in camp after the events of
Saturday night. Drafting former Ohio State star Maurice Clarett in the
third round was surprising only because of the spectacle that
acquiring Clarett brings.
But the Broncos had a need. If Clarett can regain the stardom enjoyed
as a Buckeyes freshman in 2002, he will step in the mix behind
second-year pro Tatum Bell, who will enter training camp as the
starting tailback. However, Bell had several injuries last year, so
the team needs options. Last year, three players - Quentin Griffin,
Bell and Reuben Droughns (since traded) - were the main tailback at
times.
Griffin (knee) and Mike Anderson (groin) are coming off injuries, and
recently signed Ron Dayne will try to recapture his Heisman
Trophy-winning form he rarely showed with the Giants. Kyle Johnson and
Cecil Sapp, and perhaps Anderson, will play some fullback.
If this group stays healthy, it could be strong, and Clarett will get
an opportunity as a rookie to play some. But a veteran or two is sure
to be on the chopping block.
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
The Broncos are still looking for the successor to Clinton Portis.
Tatum Bell has the early lead over the field, but as we saw last year
with Quentin Griffin, coach Shanahan will not hesitate to pull the
plug on Bell if he makes too many mistakes. If Clarett can play
faster than his workout times indicated, he may have a shot at some
point this season.
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12. Chargers Add Skill Position Free Agents
Clipped from: San Diego Union-Tribune article by Kevin Acee, 4/26/05
The Chargers, like all teams, began courting rookie free agents Sunday
afternoon. The going was rough, as the players and their agents eyed a
Chargers roster that is largely set.
"It was more difficult this year because we're better," Smith said.
"That's a compliment to us."
Players who were not selected in this past weekend's NFL draft largely
have the liberty of choosing the team that gives them the greatest
chance of making a roster.
That means a team that drafted three offensive linemen (as the
Chargers did) is going to have a difficult time convincing an
undrafted free-agent lineman his chances are good to make the roster
come September.
"They know we're a good football team," Smith said. "They know there
weren't many changes. They know we like our guys. The agents and
players are making business decisions – what is there best
opportunity?"
The Chargers did fill out their roster for next week's rookie
orientation min-camp by agreeing to terms with 19 undrafted rookies.
They found a quarterback, two running backs, two fullbacks, one wide
receiver, two tight ends, one offensive lineman, three defensive
linemen, three linebackers, three cornerbacks and one safety.
The list includes three all-conference players: defensive end Adell
Duckett (Texas Tech) and cornerbacks Gabe Franklin (Boise State) and
Abraham Elimimian (Hawaii), brother of San Diego State cornerback
Jacob Elimimian.
One intriguing addition is Jonathan Pollard, a 6-foot-1, 245-pound
linebacker who played under former Chargers coach Mike Riley at Oregon
State. Pollard was slowed by injuries last year but had nine tackles
for loss and was an honorable mention all-Pac-10 selection.
The Chargers also looked to some small schools to get Cory
Lekkerkerker, a 6-foot-7 tackle from UC Davis and Matt Pagel, a
5-foot-11, 245-pound fullback from Wisconsin-LaCrosse who ran a 4.38
40-yard dash. And they brought in Craig Ochs, the former University of
Colorado quarterback who transferred to I-AA Montana and passed for
3,804 yards his senior season.
Could there be an Antonio Gates in the group? Perhaps.
"All they are is camp people that may surprise you," Smith said.
"(But) probably not."
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
The Chargers' roster is loaded with talent, so don't expect great
things from any of these undrafted rookies – that way you won't be
disappointed.
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13. Rams Sign 2 More WRs After Draft
Clipped from: Post-Dispatch article by Bill Thomas, 4/26/05
After drafting one wide receiver, the team picked up two more Monday:
Dominic Robinson of Florida State and Dominique Thompson of William &
Mary. They'll compete with Ball State's Dante Ridgeway, a sixth-round
pick. Wideout Rod Perry, a street free agent signed in February, has
been released.
Thompson, 5-11 and 197 pounds, put up big numbers for NCAA Division
I-AA William & Mary. As a senior, he set school records for catches
(79) and receiving yards (1,585). He scored 13 touchdowns. He also
averaged 22.2 yards on kickoff returns.
The team is expected to sign another free agent or two before rookie
minicamp Friday-Sunday at Rams Park. The annual full-squad minicamp is
June 3-5.
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
If any of the rookie WRs stick, they'll most likely be playing on
special teams. The Rams are absolutely loaded for bear at WR with
Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce, Kevin Curtis, Shaun McDonald, Dane Looker,
Dante Ridgeway, Mike Furrey, and Michael Coleman in front of Robinson
and Thompson.
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14. WR Gibson: A Steal for the Steelers?
Clipped from: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article by Gerry Dulac, 4/26/05
Jim Harrick wasn't sure which player to whom he should compare Fred Gibson.
On the basketball floor, Gibson reminded him of Tyus Edney, a
mercurial point guard he once coached at UCLA.
On the football field, Gibson reminded Harrick of another tall, lanky,
athletically gifted receiver -- Randy Moss.
"He was the quickest guy I ever coached, maybe tied with Tyus Edney,"
Harrick, the former Georgia basketball coach, said yesterday from his
home in Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif. "But Ty would have to take two
steps to Fred's one."
Harrick was the basketball coach at Georgia when Gibson, the Steelers'
fourth-round draft choice, played one season with the Bulldogs. But
Gibson quit the team after his freshman season to concentrate on
football, where he developed into an All-Southeastern Conference
receiver in 2004.
"Fred probably could have played NBA basketball if he didn't opt to
play football," Harrick said. "He's just spectacular at running and
jumping. It's hard for me to believe there's a better athlete in the
draft than Fred Gibson."
Harrick only had Gibson for 18 games, but he saw enough in that time
to know the freshman from Ware County High School in Waycross, Ga.,
was something special. Gibson averaged just 4.9 points and converted
less than 50 percent of his field goals (31 of 69), but he didn't join
the basketball team until the end of December 2001.
However, in an 84-79 upset victory at No. 2 Florida, Gibson came off
the bench and scored 13 points in 16 minutes, including six in the
final 56 seconds. That it came against the Gators was especially
ironic because Gibson had originally made a verbal commitment to
attend Florida but changed his mind when Gators coach Billy Donovan
was reluctant to let him play basketball.
"They got a steal ... they stole him on the fourth round," Harrick
said of the Steelers. "When they put him back to run kickoffs, there's
no one better. And down the field, no one can stop him. He's similar
to Randy Moss. He can run, he can jump and he can catch.
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
As fellow Footballguy Keith Overton points out, "this guy merits
watching because the Steelers will keep many of the goal line and long
ball plays that they drew up for Plaxico Burress in the playbook but
the receiver they will use to run them will have to be one of two guys
on the roster who are close to Burress' size -- Lee Mays (6'2"/193#)
or Fred Gibson (6'4"/202#)." If the Steelers like what they see from
Gibson during training camp, he could well become the goal-line option
during 2005. This is definitely a player to watch heading into 2005,
as his 4th round draft status may keep him under most owner's radars...
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15. RB Haynes resigns with Steelers
Clipped from: CBS SPortsline.com Wire Reports, 4/26/05
Running back Verron Haynes agreed to a one-year contract Tuesday with
the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Haynes ranked third on the team last season with 272 yards rushing and
fourth in receiving with 18 catches for 142 yards and two touchdowns.
Haynes also made 11 tackles on special team.
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
Jerome Bettis isn't getting any younger, and Duce Staley has had
trouble staying healthy in recent years – Haynes is a nice insurance
policy for the Steelers.
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16. No Surprise: Jets Dump K Brien
Clipped from: New York Daily News article by Rich Cimini, 4/26/05
Three months ago, the Jets lost an epic game by mere inches - and Doug
Brien lost his job. He's convinced the Jets never would've drafted
Ohio State's Mike Nugent if he hadn't missed those two field-goals
attempts Jan. 15 in Pittsburgh.
"If that first kick was six inches further - or, instead of 47 yards,
it's from 46 - then, yeah, it would be a totally different story,"
Brien told the Daily News last night in a phone interview. "Otherwise,
I don't see how you could make 83% of your field goals during the
season, make a game-winning kick in the playoffs, and lose your job."
Brien confirmed that he has lost his job. He got the official word
Sunday, when he received a phone call from Jets assistant GM Mike
Tannenbaum. Brien's fate was clinched Saturday night, when the Jets
used their first pick (a second-round choice) on the Buckeyes' kicking
phenom.
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
The word is that the Vikings have an interest in Brien, now that he's
available.
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17. IDP: CB Aaron Glenn: To Dallas?
Clipped from: Dallas Morning News article by Jean-Jacques Taylor, 4/26/05
The Cowboys, who have spent the entire off-season revamping their
defense, might add another valuable piece this week.
Houston is expected to release veteran cornerback Aaron Glenn, perhaps
as soon as today, according to published reports. Glenn became
expendable when the Texans traded draft picks to Oakland for
cornerback Phillip Buchanon last week.
Glenn had 63 tackles and five interceptions as a starter for Houston
last season, has three years remaining on his contract and was
scheduled to earn $4 million this season.
Three sources said the Cowboys would have interest in signing the
11-year veteran out of Texas A&M. His agent, Jimmy Sexton, who
represents several Cowboys and coach Bill Parcells, could not be
reached for comment.
Glenn played for Parcells and secondary coach Todd Bowles with the Jets.
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
Update: Glenn has been officially released by the Texans. Terance
Newman /Anthony Henry will likely face a challenge for a starting spot
in the Dallas secondary from Glenn if he lands there.
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18. IDP: CB Aaron Glenn, LB Chad Brown – To New England?
Clipped from: Boston Globe article by Jerome Solomon, 4/26/05
Former Seattle linebacker Chad Brown, released by the Seahawks last
week, was in town last night for a visit with the Patriots to discuss
how he would fit in with the team.
A 12-year veteran, Brown spent four years with Pittsburgh before
joining the Seahawks.
A former Pro Bowler, Brown, who turns 35 this summer, has been plagued
by injuries the past three seasons, playing in just 29 of 48 games.
Last season, he appeared in only seven games and had 37 tackles at
strong-side linebacker.
At the conclusion of the NFL Draft Sunday, Patriots coach Bill
Belichick indicated that outside linebacker was a position at which
the team needed to add free agents before training camp.
"Outside linebacker is an example of a position where we haven't
drafted anybody and really haven't signed anybody, and we need to go
to camp with a couple more players than we have there," he said.
Meanwhile, a source close to Aaron Glenn said the Patriots are one of
three teams the Houston Texans cornerback has been given permission to
talk to about a possible trade.
Glenn, who has played 11 years in the league, spent the first eight
years with the New York Jets, including three with Belichick as his
secondary coach. Both of Glenn's Pro Bowl appearances came in that
three-year stretch.
Glenn, 32, started all 16 games last year for the Texans, the seventh
time in his career that he started every game in a season. He has 35
career interceptions, including five last season.
The Houston native has become expendable because of the Texans' trade
with the Raiders for Phillip Buchanon and Glenn's estimated salary cap
number in excess of $5 million.
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
Now that the NFL draft is over, teams and veteran players will be
shopping around for the best fits heading into training camp. Guys
like Glenn and Brown, who are available (Brown) or allowed to seek a
trade by their current team (Glenn) will be the subject of speculation
until their situations are resolved.
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19. IDP: CB Chad Scott (Ex-Pittsburgh) to New England.
Clipped from: Palm Beach Post AP report, 4/26/05
The New England Patriots signed free agent cornerback Chad Scott on
Tuesday after he was released for salary cap reasons by the Steelers
following eight seasons in Pittsburgh.
They 30-year-old Scott was a starter for more than six seasons until
injuring a knee in
October. He was unable to win his job back after returning in December
and spent the rest of the season and the playoffs as a reserve.
Scott, Pittsburgh's first-round pick in 1997, has 19 interceptions in
91 career games.
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
The Patriots have been looking for help at CB after last seasons'
difficulties at the position – Scott gives them a veteran presence at
the position and could challenge for a starting position if he gets
back to his pre-injury form during 2005.
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That'll do it for today, Folks. Have a great Wednesday and we'll see
you tomorrow with the update.
J